Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food that has been a staple in many households for generations. Originating from Russia, this rich and creamy dish combines tender beef with a savory mushroom and sour cream sauce, served over a bed of noodles or rice. The slow cooker version of this recipe makes it incredibly easy to prepare, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a delicious and hearty Beef Stroganoff using your slow cooker. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a meal that is both satisfying and effortless. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need and the step-by-step instructions to make this comforting dish.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering and preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms. Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces if it isn’t pre-cut.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the beef stew meat to the skillet and brown it on all sides. This step helps to lock in the flavors and gives the beef a nice texture. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the sliced mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but the low and slow method yields the best results.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture: About 30 minutes before serving, in a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth. This mixture will help thicken the sauce and add a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
- Add the Sour Cream Mixture: Stir the sour cream mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring it is well incorporated. Allow the Stroganoff to continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes on low. This step will thicken the sauce and enhance its creaminess.
- Cook the Egg Noodles: While the Stroganoff finishes cooking, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Once the Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is ready, serve it over a bed of cooked egg noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added freshness.
- Enjoy: Dig into this delicious, creamy, and hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. The tender beef, savory mushrooms, and rich sauce make for a perfect meal that is both comforting and satisfying.
About the Main Ingredients
Beef Stew Meat: The star of this recipe is the beef stew meat, which becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow in the slow cooker. Typically cut from tougher cuts of beef like chuck or round, stew meat is perfect for long, slow cooking methods. The slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef that absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor to the Stroganoff. They pair wonderfully with the beef and contribute to the dish’s overall umami richness. Cremini or white button mushrooms are commonly used, but feel free to experiment with different varieties like shiitake or portobello for a unique twist.
Sour Cream: Sour cream is a key ingredient in Beef Stroganoff, providing the signature creamy and tangy sauce that coats the beef and mushrooms. It balances the richness of the beef and adds a lovely smooth texture to the dish. When combined with flour, it also helps to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the noodles.
Beef Broth: Beef broth serves as the base of the sauce, infusing the dish with a robust beefy flavor. It also helps to keep the meat moist during the slow cooking process. Opt for a low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish, allowing you to adjust seasoning to your preference.
Worcestershire Sauce and Dijon Mustard: These two ingredients add depth and complexity to the Stroganoff. Worcestershire sauce brings a savory, slightly tangy element, while Dijon mustard provides a subtle kick and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Paprika: Paprika adds a hint of warmth and color to the Stroganoff. It complements the other seasonings and enhances the dish’s overall flavor without overpowering it.
Egg Noodles: Traditional Beef Stroganoff is often served over egg noodles, which have a soft, tender texture that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. They provide a hearty base for the dish and help to make it a filling meal. If you prefer, you can also serve the Stroganoff over rice or mashed potatoes.
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff recipe is a perfect blend of convenience and flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal. With tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it out, and you’ll see why it’s a timeless classic!
